With so much high vis equipment available, it can be difficult to know what will keep you most visible whilst out riding.
For the past four months, our testers have been putting different items of high-vis gear from Steeds to the test. They have assessed each item for fit, effectiveness and value for money.
Items were also viewed from the driver’s seat of a car to give an overall verdict. This testing was carried out on a private road and the horse and rider were approached from in front and behind. The driver commented on what was noticeable to them from their perspective behind the wheel.
Each item of high vis for horse and rider is given a mark out of five for fit, effectiveness and value for money. This gives an overall score out of 15.
Steeds Reflective Bright Exercise Rug
RRP £69.90
Colour: Yellow
Sizes: 6ft 6in, 6ft 9in
Fit: A warp-around exercise rug that fits my horse well. 5 stars
Effectiveness: The main material of the rug is a bright yellow but it’s not high vis. The silver piping and silver pattern on the rug is reflective, which does make you a little more visible when riding out. The rug is proving to be waterproof and durable. 3.5 stars
Value for money: Good value for a waterproof exercise rug — just not as high vis as other products in the test. 3.5 stars
Total score: 12
Steeds Reflective Boots Highlight
RRP £31.90 (front), £36.90 (hind)
Sizes: Cob, full
Fit: These boots are nicely shaped and fit the leg well. They are quite rigid with an internal tendon guard. The straps hold the boots securely in place. 4 stars
Effectiveness: For these to be more effective headlights need to shine on them. From the driver’s seat the colour and movement of the legs in daylight did make the horse more visible, as they shimmer in sunlight. I’ve also used these boots for schooling, but I found my horse’s legs sweated in them. 4 stars
Value for money: Fair value. If these had high vis material too, they’d be more effective for riding in daylight. 4 stars
Total score: 12
Steeds Reflective Riding Hat Band
RRP £2.99
Size: One size
Fit: A good fit — simply pull it on to your hat. The elastic inserts hold it securely in place. 5 stars
Effectiveness: Needs light to high the reflective strip for it to be effective. If it was wider it would be more visible to drivers. 3 stars
Value for money: Good value, although in my opinion it’s not very effective on its own. 4 stars
Total score: 12
Steeds Reflective Vest
RRP £6.99
Colour: Neon yellow
Size: One size
Fit: This vest fits better over a jacket — there are three Velcro fasteners that give you some adjustment, but only at the bottom of the vest. The issue is it’s too long in the body for me and slips off my shoulders while I’m riding. The vest is too big, with not enough adjustment to wear it over lighter clothing such as a t-shirt. 3 stars
Effectiveness: A simple, no-frills reflective vest. The combination of high vis yellow and reflective silver strips helps to make you more visible — it’s just a pity about the fit. 4 stars
Value for money: Good value — this is very easy on the wallet. 4 stars
Total score: 11
Overall verdict
The vest was noticeable, especially when approaching the horse from behind. The exercise sheet is bright, which was noticed by the driver. The movement of the horse’s legs did make the boots noticeable, but they weren’t particularly reflective on our testing day.
